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Journey back in time, to an age when magic was as common as poverty and war. . . and a man who was born a witch could befriend an angel -- and challenge the devil face to face. . . — DAMIANO — Dami Delstrego considers himself very fortunate -- not because he is a gifted witch, but rather because he is a musician at heart, and the Archangel Rapha... more »el is teaching him to play the lute.

But when Dami's city, Partestrada, is invaded by a ruthless general who sees the young man's powers as a tool for conquest, Damiano flees, determined instead to help his own people regain what is theirs. Sadly, he discovers that the men of Partestrada are too afraid to defend their homes. And when he asks Raphael for aid, the seraph cannot, or will not, interfere. So Damiano decides there is only one way to save his city: He must bargain with Satan -- no matter what the cost.

DAMIANO'S LUTE

Magic has become a burden to Damiano -- an obstacle to his music -- so he gives his powers to the beautiful witch Saara and sets out to be a full-time lutenist, accompanied by an all-too-worldly boy named Gaspare.

The boy thinks Dami is mad because he claims to talk to an angel, though all Gaspare ever sees is thin air. Yet the youth is convinced that Delstrego is a musical genius, and resolves to make him rich and famous.

Unfortunately, Damiano quickly learns that life is harsh without magic to protect him. There is plague. There is the devil. And there is despair -- grief that Damiano may be able to alleviate. . . if only he can regain his magic powers.

RAPHAEL

Saara has recklessly fallen into the devil's clutches, and it gives Satan an opportunity he has long desired: a chance to destroy Raphael.

When the angel offers himself in exchange for the witch's life, Satan gleefully accepts -- and sends Raphael to earth as a helpless mortal. . . a slave whose only perceptible worth is his singular musical ability.

Saara is guilt-stricken. She has no idea where Raphael might be, only a fierce determination to find him -- and she soon gathers unexpected allies for the quest: Gaspare, a remarkable dragon, and Damiano. . . Dami, who has little more to offer than the power of his love.« less